On the web since 1995, Maria-Brasil claims the title of the first web site developed in the United States on Brazilian popular culture. Since its inception it has been updated regularly and contains information that is authentic and truly contemporary. There is an attractive melange of textual information, photography, and music, arranged in an aptly tropical design. Brazilians will immediately recognize the portrait of their country in Maria-Brazil and those who are planning a visit will feel like they've already been there after perusing the site. The pages include a study of culture through a photo essay on
non-verbal communication and body language, another page on birthday parties and food and eating habits and a newly-developed page on how to do business in Brazil. The latter page would be of use in Business Portuguese courses. Other pages in Maria-Brazil include the photo galleries organized under "Favorite Places" including major Brazilian cities other than just Sao Paulo and Brasilia. Here one can find the Amazon and some of the northern regions well-photographed with photo essays on Belem, Maceio, Fortaleza and Recife. Of course, the author also treats two of Brazil's most visited locales- Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Bahia. In addition to the photo tours, one can find authentic Brazilian recipes, a page on music and folklore and a virtual juke box, called Maria's Vitrola.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
The site is designed for casual users who can use the information to prepare a visit, real or virtual, to Brazil. For educators of Portuguese language and culture, the resources can be used in any number of ways as reference/illustration in the classroom, to links for outside assignments such a webquests on travel and culture to Portuguese-speaking venues. The photo galleries can be used in geography and culture-oriented activities. The cookbook, music, and folklore can be used to add a multi-sensory dimension to class activities.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will develop unusual cultural awareness of Brazil and its contemporary society.
For teachers and learners of Portuguese, they will find an excellent resource for cultural studies.
Target Student Population:
Beginning to advanced students of Portuguese, Brazilian culture and civilization.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The author has taken pains to provide an authentic and current view of contemporary culture in Brazil. Users will find the little details that non-natives would never know about otherwise, like the tapioca crepes that are sold in Maceio or the cupuacu fruit that is a delicacy of the Amazon and unknown in southern capitals. Such little "c" tidbits can be used to spice up language and culture materials and assignments.
The photo galleries can be used to spark conversation and to supplement readings on the regions they depict. With a lighthearted tone that is never pedantic, Maria-Brazil informs and entertains creating an engaging and multi-faceted portrait of Brazil.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Maria-Brazil is truly one of a kind.The author describes shopping, restaurants, daily life and many other topics in an easy-going, yet informative manner. The hints, tips and tricks could be used prior to study abroad trips to great advantage. Faculty teaching a seminar on music could find tremendous resources in the Music and Folklore pages and Maria's Vitrola.
Students who use the site as independent learners can develop an accurate view of Brazilian culture by visiting the site. There is an effective balance of text, sound and images to address a variety of learning styles.
The author wrote the business page at the suggestion of users of the site, which indicates that she is responsive to the needs of her audience.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Although this site was not designed to be used specifically for language/culture education purposes, it is nonetheless very easily navigable with an excellent search engine. The layout is clear and the many valuable links are readily associated with the home page.
Teachers and students of Portuguese language and culture will find easily accessible and engaging information here with no chance of getting lost or confused.
Creative Commons:
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